Interoperability and Cross-chain communication for Cardano: VISTA (Verified Interchain Secure Transfer Architecture)

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Agrow Labs Corp.

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co proposers and Additional applicants

Living Greens Urban Farm

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Develop and open source a Cardano cross-chain communication protocol based on Inter blockchain communication standards to enhance interoperability of sidechains and the greater blockchain ecosystem.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No Dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All software and documentation developed under this proposal will be released under a Creative Commons 4.0 International Attribution License. Meaning that anyone is free to use the software in any way they see fit as long as they credit the original authors. 

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Abstract

The VISTA (Verified Interchain Secure Transfer Architecture) protocol will enhance interoperability and enable seamless data exchange between various blockchains and Cardano. This solution goes beyond token transfers, fostering innovation, collaboration, and communication across different platforms, ensuring a robust and secure communication bridge.

Problem

There is currently a lack of open source software and standardized protocols to enable seamless communication and interoperability between the Cardano blockchain and other blockchains. This severely limits the ability to build robust cross-chain applications and solutions. For example, an application built on a Cardano sidechain may need to integrate with EVM or TenderMint to leverage access to other blockchain services. Without open and standardized bridge protocols, each integration becomes a bespoke effort, increasing costs and technical debt.

Interoperability unlocks network effects and allows Cardano-based applications to harness the unique capabilities of other chains. However, proprietary bridge protocols create single points of failure, security risks, commercial dependencies, and closed ecosystems. There is a need for open, secure, and decentralized solutions to connect Cardano with the emerging multi-chain future.

Solution

We propose developing VISTA (Verified Interchain Secure Transfer Architecture), an open source protocol to enable decentralized and trustless communication between the Cardano blockchain and other major blockchains. Based on interoperability standards, VISTA will provide the essential messaging, security, and data transfer frameworks required for seamless cross-chain integrations.

The open source release under permissive licensing lowers the barrier to entry for developers and projects building cross-chain solutions on Cardano. VISTA eliminates commercial dependencies and provides flexibility to interface with any blockchain. Strict verification processes and a robust cryptographic design minimize security risks inherent in bridge protocols.

VISTA development will occur across six milestones - delivering design specifications, initial software, testnet implementation on Cardano and a sidechain, extensive functionality testing, and comprehensive documentation. The culmination of this phased rollout will be an enterprise-grade interoperability protocol capable of serving as the backbone for a wide range of Cardano-based cross-chain applications.

With VISTA, Cardano can expand its ecosystem reach and position itself at the center of blockchain interoperability - the crucial next step for the technology. Projects can choose their ideal development platform while still harnessing Cardano for settlement. And enterprises can leverage the strengths of multiple chains to build formerly impossible solutions, with Cardano facilitating trust and transfer of value.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

VISTA will broaden the Cardano ecosystem by showcasing the feasibility of cross-chain communication. This expansion will foster the growth of a diverse network of partner and sidechains, enriching the community and positioning Cardano as a leader in the evolving blockchain landscape.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team comprises seasoned professionals with diverse expertise in blockchain development, standards authoring, and strategic leadership. With a collective wealth of experience, we have successfully undertaken and delivered projects in the blockchain space.

Team members have actively contributed to the advancement of blockchain technologies, showcasing a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. This includes collaborative efforts on impactful projects that demonstrate technical proficiency and a track record of success.

Beyond the blockchain sector, our team has made significant contributions to global organizations, reflecting a commitment to innovation and strategic leadership. Our members have a proven ability to adapt and excel in dynamic environments, essential for the success of complex projects.

To ensure the feasibility of our approach, we will leverage our combined technical expertise, conduct thorough testing, and implement stringent verification processes. The team's commitment to transparency, coupled with past successes, positions us well to manage funds responsibly and deliver on the proposed project with accountability and trust.

[Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

 VISTA Design and Architecture

Outputs:

• VISTA Design Documentation: Detailed documentation outlining the design and architecture of VISTA.
• GitHub and YouTube Progress Update: A dedicated GitHub repository hosting the design documentation along with a YouTube video showcasing key design elements.

Acceptance criteria: 

• Comprehensive Design Explanation: Detailed explanation of VISTA's design and architecture, addressing potential challenges.
• Github and Video Updates: GitHub repository and YouTube video providing a transparent overview of progress.

Evidence of Completion:

• Completed Documentation: The finalized VISTA Design Documentation, indicating a thorough and completed understanding of the project's design.
• Published GitHub Repository: The presence of a published GitHub repository containing the VISTA design documentation, demonstrating tangible progress and sharing with the community.

VISTA Development

Outputs:

• Open Source MVP Software: The first Open Source Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of the VISTA software published on GitHub.
• Public Github Repository: A GitHub repository allowing the community to explore the codebase and contribute to ongoing development.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Functional MVP: Successful demonstration of the MVP's functionality within the GitHub repository.
• Collaboration Engagement: Evidence of interaction and contributions through the provided GitHub link.

Evidence of Completion:

• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation showcasing the key features, functionalities, and code structure of the MVP.
• GitHub Commit History: A detailed commit history on GitHub, illustrating the developmental progress and iterations made during the MVP phase.

VISTA Implementation - Cardano

Outputs:

• Functional VISTA on Cardano: Successful integration and implementation of VISTA within the Cardano blockchain.
• Positive Review Results: A comprehensive review confirming the security and reliability of VISTA on Cardano.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Testnet Deployment: Successful deployment of VISTA on the Cardano testnet.
• Review Validation: Positive results ensuring the protocol's security.

Evidence of Completion:

• Testnet Success Metrics: Metrics indicating the successful operation of VISTA on the Cardano testnet.
• Review Report: Published review report confirming VISTA's security and reliability.

VISTA Implementation - Agrologos

Outputs:

• Functional VISTA on Agrologos: Seamless integration and operation of VISTA within the Agrologos blockchain.
• Positive Testnet Deployment and Validation Results: Successful deployment on the Agrologos testnet with positive validation outcomes.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Interoperability Showcase: Successful cross-chain communication between VISTA on Cardano and VISTA on Agrologos.
• Reliability Confirmation: Positive validation from a comprehensive assessment affirming the protocol's reliability on Agrologos.

Evidence of Completion:

• Cross-Chain Metrics: Metrics demonstrating successful interoperability between VISTA on different blockchains.
• Validation Report: Published validation results confirming VISTA's reliability on Agrologos

VISTA Testing and Optimization

Outputs:

• Testing Reports: Comprehensive reports showcasing the outcomes of extensive cross-chain testing.
• Optimized VISTA: A refined and efficient version of VISTA based on testing insights.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Testing Phase Completion: Successful completion of cross-chain testing, ensuring VISTA's robustness.
• Optimization Success: Improved efficiency demonstrated through optimized VISTA software.

Evidence of Completion:

• Testing Phase Metrics: Quantifiable metrics indicating the success of cross-chain testing and optimization efforts.
• GitHub Repository Updates: Active updates on the project's GitHub repository, including documentation of testing methodologies and optimization processes for transparency and community engagement.

 VISTA Documentation and Community Engagement

Outputs:

• Comprehensive VISTA Documentation: Detailed documentation outlining the protocol for developers and the community.
• Engagement Plan: A strategic plan to foster community involvement and collaboration.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Documentation via GitHub: Successful upload and availability of the VISTA documentation on GitHub, marking the commencement of community access.
• Internal Audit: Internal verification by the project team and stakeholders, confirming that the VISTA documentation meets internal standards and requirements.
• Initiated Community Engagement: Launch of community engagement activities, marking the successful conclusion of the VISTA project.

Evidence of Completion:

• Documentation Dissemination: Wide dissemination of VISTA documentation through blog posts, official communications, and relevant platforms, showcasing the initiation of community education.
• Marketing Materials: Production and distribution of initial marketing materials and campaign announcements, indicating the kickoff of community engagement initiatives.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Adam Dean: Adam Dean is a seasoned developer with a wealth of experience in the dynamic field of blockchain technology. His expertise extends to the Cardano blockchain ecosystem, where he serves as a standards author, contributing to the development of protocols that underpin this cutting-edge platform. Known for his passion for innovation, Adam excels at being on the ground floor of new projects, consistently seeking ways to optimize existing processes. As a seasoned professional, he brings a visionary outlook to the integration of blockchain into our daily lives, striving for a future where technology is not just groundbreaking but also user-friendly and accessible to all.

Lloyd Duhon: Lloyd Duhon is a husband, father of 8, Grandfather (“Pop-Pop”) to 2, and a 100% service connected disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Army in the 1990s. Lloyd was deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope in 1992. After suffering a brain injury due to a toxic exposure, Lloyd left the military to focus on a career in Information technology.

This 25 year career spanned Internet Service industries and Medical industries. Lloyd was named Chief Technology Officer for several Internet Startups. Lloyd was the Director of Information Systems for a medical transcription company that employed 1200 Medical Transcriptionists. Lloyd later founded an information technology lifecycle management and e-waste disposal service, Computer Heaven of SWFL. Due to complications from the brain injury, Lloyd was forced to close Computer Heaven, and focus on his healing.

Lloyd and his wife Melannie watched the pandemic unfold and saw the significant issues of disruption of the supply chains and the resultant food insecurity that was exacerbated by these conditions. Seeing an opportunity to better safeguard their family and community, Lloyd and Melannie built several iterations of systems to grow produce indoors at home. After finding the nutritional aspects of microgreens, and an inexpensive, repeatable, easy to manage process for growing them, Lloyd and Melannie founded Living Greens Urban Farm and began marketing both live microgreens and growing kits to the Southwest Florida area. By combining technology, sustainability practices, and community resilience, the Duhon family hopes that Living Greens Urban Farm will be an answer for food insecurity now and into the future.

Paul Spata: As a seasoned Full-stack Software Developer, ML Architect, DevOps Engineer, and Development Director, Paul brings over two decades of expertise to the dynamic intersection of technology, business, and science. An innovator, strategist, and entrepreneur, Paul has consistently delivered proven results across diverse technical domains. Notable among his recent accomplishments is being named the "Client of the Year" at the 2017 SCORE Tip of the Mitt awards, alongside developing a cutting-edge SDK for real-time driver tracking and visualization for an industry-leading client. His prowess extends to winning two awards in the 'Best App Ever' competition in the Social Networking and Reference categories.

Paul is adept at independently designing, coding, administering, and managing software development, utilizing modern tech, time-proven patterns, and best practices. His true passion, however, lies in collaborative teamwork, where he excels in agile leadership techniques, solid planning, and iterative progress. Connected with a roster of skilled technicians, Paul is poised for the next ambitious opportunity.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Milestone 1: 6 Weeks, $15,680 USD (52,267 ADA @ $0.30)

• System Design Specification and Deployment Architecture development:
• 3 Developers @ 12 hours per week @ $150/hour (2 weeks): $10,800
• Technical Writer @ 16 hours per week @ $60/hour (2 weeks): $1,920
• Graphic Designer @ 8 hours per week @ $100/hour (1 week): $800
• Project Manager @ 8 hours per week @ $45/hour (6 weeks): $2,160

Milestone 2: 6 Weeks, $30,120 USD (100,400 ADA @ $0.30)

• Software and Blockchain Integration Development
• 3 Developers @ 12 hours per week @ $150/hour (5 weeks): $27,000
• Project Manager @ 8 hours per week @ $45/hour (6 weeks): $2,160
• Technical Writer @ 16 hours per week @ $60/hour (1 week): $960

Milestone 3: 2 Weeks, $7,920 USD (26,400 ADA @ $0.30)

• Deployment and Audit of VISTA Protocol to Cardano Testnet
• 3 Developers @ 8 hours per week @ $150/hour (2 weeks): $7,200
• Project Manager @ 8 hours per week @ $45/hour (2 weeks): $720

Milestone 4: 2 Weeks, $4,320 USD (14,400 ADA @ $0.30)

• Deployment and Audit of VISTA Protocol to Agrologos Testnet
• 3 Developers @ 4 hours per week @ $150/hour (2 weeks): $3,600
• Project Manager @ 8 hours per week @ $45/hour (2 weeks): $720

Milestone 5: 4 Weeks, $16,560 USD (55,200 ADA @ $0.30)

• Extensive cross-chain testing and efficiency optimizations
• 3 Developers @ 8 hours per week @ $150/hour (4 weeks): $14,400
• Project Manager @ 12 hours per week @ $45/hour (4 weeks): $2,160

Final Milestone (Closeout): 4 Weeks, $14,720 USD (49,067 ADA @ $0.30)

• Prepare comprehensive documentation for VISTA
• 2 Developers @ 8 hours per week @ $150/hour (4 weeks): $4,800
• Project Manager @ 16 hours per week @ $45/hour (4 weeks): $2,880
• Technical Writer @ 16 hours per week @ $60/hour (4 weeks): $3,840
• Graphic Designer @ 8 hours per week @ $100/hour (4 weeks): $3,200

Development Total: $67,800

Project Management Total: $10,800

Technical Writing Total: $6,720

Graphic Designer Total: $4,000

Total Budget: $89,320 USD / 297,734 ADA @ $0.30

Total Time Estimate: 

• Developers: 484 hours
• Project Management: 240 hours
• Technical Writing: 112 hours
• Graphic Design: 40 hours

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The VISTA protocol will bring value to the Cardano ecosystem by empowering an extensive network of cross-chain communication and interoperability. This interoperability will enable previously difficult or impossible enterprise blockchain solutions to be built atop Cardano with the financial settlement layer occurring on Cardano mainnet.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund Rules and also that data in the submission form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept